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After over 16 seasons since his debut, England’s seasoned bowler could be forgiven for growing weary of the international cricket treadmill. Currently in New Zealand for his 35th global T20 event, he describes that frantic, repetitive schedule as he mentions the group-connecting brief holiday in Queenstown that launched England’s winter tour: “Occasionally, such chances are rare when constantly traveling,” he remarks. “You land, you train, you play and you travel.”

Yet his enthusiasm is clear, not just when he discusses the immediate future of a side that seems to be flourishing guided by Harry Brook and his own place in it, and also when observing Rashid practice, compete, or deliver. But while he was able to stop New Zealand in their tracks as they tried to pursue England’s historic 236 at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval on Monday night, when his four‑wicket haul included all but one of their five highest scorers, there is nothing he can do to halt time.

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In February, Rashid hits the age of 38, midway through the T20 World Cup. When the next ODI World Cup occurs near the end of 2027 he will be nearly 40. His great friend and now podcast co‑host Moeen Ali, only a few months older than him, ended his international cricket career last year. However, Rashid continues essential: that four-wicket performance raised his annual count to 19, half a dozen beyond another English bowler. Only three English bowlers have taken so many T20 international wickets in a calendar year: Graeme Swann in 2010, Sam Curran in 2022, and Rashid in 2021, 2022, 2024 and now 2025. But there are still no thoughts of the end; his attention stays on defeating rivals, not closing his career.

“One hundred per cent I’ve still got the hunger, the hunger to play for England and represent my country,” Rashid says. “Personally, I believe that’s the top accomplishment in any athletic field. I still have that passion there for England. I think that when the passion does die down, or whatever it is, that’s the moment you consider: ‘Alright, let’s seriously ponder it’. Currently, I haven’t contemplated anything different. I possess that passion, with plenty of cricket ahead.

“I desire to join this team, this group we have currently, during the upcoming adventure we face, which hopefully will be nice and I want to be part of it. With luck, we can achieve victories and secure World Cups, all the positive outcomes. And I await hopefully joining that expedition.

“We cannot predict future events. Just ahead, situations can shift rapidly. It’s very unpredictable, life and cricket. I prefer to remain in the moment – one match at a time, one stage at a time – and let things unfold, see where cricket and life takes me.”

In numerous aspects, now is not the period to ponder finishes, but rather of beginnings: a novel squad with a different skipper, a different coach and fresh prospects. “We’re on that journey,” Rashid comments. “There are a few new faces. Certain individuals have left, others have arrived, and that’s simply part of the rotation. Yet we possess know-how, we have young talent, we’ve got world‑class players, we have Brendon McCullum, an excellent coach, and each person supports our objectives. Indeed, setbacks will occur on the path, that’s inherent to the sport, but we are undoubtedly concentrated and fully attentive, for whatever lies ahead.”

The aim to plan that Queenstown excursion, and the recruitment of the former All Blacks mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka, suggests there is a particular focus on creating something more from this group of players than just an XI. and Rashid thinks this is a unique talent of McCullum’s.

“We feel like a unit,” he says. “We feel like a family kind of environment, supporting one another irrespective of performance, if your outing is strong or weak. We attempt to ensure we adhere to our principles thus. Let’s make sure we stick together, that unity we have, that brotherhood.

“It’s a wonderful attribute, all members support one another and that’s the atmosphere Baz and we aim to establish, and we have developed. And with luck, we will, no matter if our day is successful or not.

“Baz is quite calm, easygoing, but he’s on the ball in terms of coaching, he’s on it in that sense. And he aims to generate that climate. Yes, we are relaxed, we are chilled, but we’re making sure that when we go on that pitch we’re focused and we’re going for it. Significant acknowledgment is due to Baz for building that milieu, and with hope, we can continue that for much more time.”